Kazia Therapeutics’ (ASX:KZA) paxalisib shows positive signals against preclinical melanoma models

• Kazia Therapeutics’ (KZA) paxalisib brain cancer drug demonstrates positive efficacy signals against a range of preclinical models of metastatic melanoma
• The study suggested substantial activity for paxalisib as a monotherapy and greater activity in combination with MEK and BRAF inhibitors
• Lead investigator Professor Sheri Holmen says this is the most promising single agent data the company has seen in its research
• A trial of paxalisib in multiple types of brain cancers is continuing with six other trials of paxalisib in adult and pediatric brain cancers also ongoing
• Kazia ends Thursday’s session trading at 15.5 cents

Kazia Therapeutics’ (KZA) paxalisib brain cancer drug has demonstrated positive efficacy signals against a range of preclinical models of metastatic melanoma.

The study showed paxalisib to be active in vitro and in vivo with data suggesting substantial activity for paxalisib as a monotherapy and greater activity in combination with MEK and BRAF inhibitors.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer in the world with it being the most common cancer type in Australians aged between 15 to 39 years.

Lead investigator Professor Sheri Holmen said this is the most promising single agent data the company has seen in its research.

“Despite the widespread adoption of immunotherapy in recent years, there remains substantial unmet need in melanoma, particularly in those patients who develop brain metastases,” Dr Holmen said.

“We look forward to exploring the potential of paxalisib further in our research, and hopefully seeing the drug transition to a clinical trial in the near future.”

Kazia expects to receive further data from the ongoing collaboration with the Huntsman Cancer Institute in 2023 and depending on the result, KZA may evaluate additional opportunities to launch a clinical trial of paxalisib in melanoma.

A trial of paxalisib in multiple types of brain cancers is continuing with six other trials of paxalisib in adult and pediatric brain cancers also ongoing.

“Although brain cancer, in various forms, has been the primary focus of paxalisib’s clinical development thus far, we have always believed that the drug offers the potential to treat cancers that metastasize to the brain, and indeed cancers outside the central nervous system,” Kazia CEO Dr James Garner commented.

The company said the promising melanoma data points towards an important new opportunity for paxalisib.

Kazia ended Thursday’s session trading at 15.5 cents.